Research tells us there is a link between watching news of traumatic events and stress symptoms but it is unclear why this relationship exists.

You may want to limit the television media you are exposed to if you feel anxious, have difficulty taking part in social or relaxing activities or have difficulties with sleep after such exposure.

Research with children even more clearly suggests that watching too much trauma-related television can be harmful.

For children you may want to limit their exposure to traumatic images on television, talk to them about what they have viewed and explain the incident from different perspectives reinforcing the notion that they are safe and encourage then to express their fears and concerns about what they have seen or heard.

Most news that is reported is bad news and we need to keep things in perspective.